73
By something formed I nothing am,
Yet anything that you can name.
In all things false, yet ever true,
And still the same but never new;
Like thought I’m in a moment gone,
Nor can I ever be alone.
No. LXXIII.—A READY RECKONER
Two men, standing on the bank of a broad stream, across which they could not cast their fishing lines, could not agree as to its width. A bet on the point was offered and accepted, and the question was presently decided for them by an ingenious friend who came along, without any particular appliances for measurement.
He stood on the edge of the bank, steadied his chin with one hand, and with the other tilted his cap till its peak just cut the top of the opposite bank.
Then, turning round, he stood exactly where the peak cut the level ground behind him, and, by stepping to that spot, was able to measure a distance equal to the width of the stream.
74
When you and I together meet,
Then there are six to see and greet.
If I and you should meet once more,
Our company would be but four.
And when you leave me all alone
I am a solitary one.